Andy Munns
Wiltshire Council is celebrating all things sustainable transport for this year’s Better Transport Week.
Better Transport Week 2024 takes place from 17 to 23 June and is an annual celebration of the transport that improves our lives.
When people choose to leave their cars at home and instead take the bus, train, walk, or cycle, it helps to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality while also reducing carbon emissions—plus it can help people save money and improve their health.
The council has a number of sustainable transport options on offer to help residents choose sustainable transport, including new bus services, on-demand buses, journey planners, road safety education, and cycling and walking schemes.
Cllr Tamara Reay, Cabinet Member for Transport and Assets, said: “This annual celebration is a great way to recognise the benefits that sustainable transport has to offer.
“When people choose to take the bus, train, walk or cycle instead of using their car, they are not only helping the environment because sustainable transport can also help to save money and improve people’s physical and mental wellbeing. I would encourage residents to take advantage of these travel options to explore our beautiful county.
“A key priority in our Business Plan is to have well-connected, vibrant communities and that’s why we’re celebrating Better Transport Week.
“We are investing in new bus services, including the hugely successful Wiltshire Connect on-demand service in the Pewsey Vale and new Sunday services in Chippenham, Melksham and Trowbridge. We’re also committed to more cycling and walking opportunities through our Local Cycling and Walking Plans (LCWIPs).
“We’re proud of what we’ve already accomplished on our journey to make the council carbon neutral by 2030, and sustainable transport is a part of this.”
In partnership with local bus operators, Wiltshire Council has recently introduced two new bus services, the x34 service between Chippenham, Melksham and Trowbridge, which now operates on a Sunday; and the D1x, which is a new, more direct service to Bath. The time that concessionary bus passes can be used has also been brought forward to 9am.
In the east of the county, the Wiltshire Connect bookable bus service, operating in the Pewsey Vale and Marlborough areas, is offering fares for just £1 for all rides booked on Saturday until the end of June 2024. From 17 to 22 June, residents will also have the opportunity to claim one free ride to celebrate Better Transport Week; to take advantage of the offer, simply add the promo code BetterT24 into the Wiltshire Connect booking app.
